In re A.J. CA3

I. BACKGROUND

On February 15, 2018, Sacramento County Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services (the Department) filed a section 300 petition, subdivisions (a), (b), and (e), on behalf of the then five-month-old minor after the minor was found to have a subdural hematoma, consistent with an abusive head trauma, severe retinal hemorrhaging, and significant amounts of blood behind his eyes. Several physician specialists stated that the minor’s condition was of the nature as would ordinarily not be sustained except as a result of unreasonable or neglectful acts or omissions of the appellant. The minor was in appellant’s care when the trauma occurred and appellant failed to provide a plausible explanation for the minor’s injuries. The court ordered the minor detained. It also ordered the Department to evaluate the home of the paternal step- grandmother for placement, as well as any other relatives who come forward requesting placement. The paternal grandmother, who lived in Georgia had requested she be considered for placement, although she had never met the minor. The jurisdiction hearing was continued several times. During that time, minor’s counsel requested the minor be…